Crook have been dancing rapper for three years now, but as we do not get the opportunity for much practice, we decided to have a whole day's workshop to put in some hard work.

We invited Bob Dalrymple up from Lichfield to share his expertise with us, and held the workshop in the small village of Levens near Kendal.

We spent four hours being schooled by Bob, with a welcome break for lunch and ale at the nearby Hare and Hounds pub (heartily recommended).

We all had a very pleasant day, learned a lot and also had a lot of fun. We now have to practise hard and put this to good use in the coming dance season.

Upton Folk Festival 29th April-2nd May

Upton upon Severn is a delightful setting , and this Festival is a small, friendly event.

Crook have been going to Upton for many years, and we always enjoy the excellent company and warm atmosphere.

This is a good weekend for sides that enjoy lots of dancing, as there is ample opportunity to "busk" around the town, as well as at the organised dance spots.

There is a spectacular long parade through the town on Sunday.

Musicians are well served, as there are many music sessions to choose from in the fine selection of pubs that Upton boasts.

Chippenham Folk Festival 27th - 30th May

This was long way to travel for us, but the journey was well worth it.

Again, lots of dancing around the town and in the arena, and an excellent line-up of big-name artists at the concerts.

Crook dressed up in their gaudy finery for a cocktail party on the campsite on Sunday night, and thoroughly enjoyed sharing their vat of home-made Pimms-substitute with friends from Silhill and Blackadder.

Pictures

Ravenglass Locomorris and Charter Fair 17th-19th June

The small Cumbrian village of Ravenglass organised a day of dancing for us, John o' Gaunt and Belfagan Morris.

We started at Ravenglass station, and were then transported on "L'al Ratty" small gauge railway up the Eskdale Valley, dancing at several idyllic spots en route.

There was a "scratch" ceilidh on Saturday night, and then all sides danced at Ravenglass Charter Fair.

We camped next to the station, and enjoyed superb views over the harbour and bay all weekend.

Dent Festival 24th -26th June

The small village of Dent invited us to dance at their 3rd Folk Festival.

We busked around the village with Flash Company before joining Southport Sword and It's Legs Levens & the Limestone Cowboys in the marquee for an hour of display dancing in front of an enthusiastic crowd.

Pictures

Morris in the Forest 1st -3rd July

The long drive into Wales is worth it when you arrive at the tiny village of Llanwrtyd Wells and see the red kites soaring on high above the camp site.

We walk on the Saturday, and dance out of kit at the lunchtime pub.

Sunday sees a (short) parade through the village, with massed dancing outside of the central pub.

This is another good weekend for musicians, with fantastic sessions on both Friday and Saturday nights.

Squire's Tour, Staveley 25th September

The Squire can choose how to organise the last dance-out of the year, and Suzanne, our current Squire, chose to start with coffee and cakes at the famous Wilf's cafe in Staveley.

We then had a walk, bringing us back to the Eagle and Child pub in the village for an excellent lunch, followed by some music and dancing indoors.

The weather was terrible, but the day was fantastic!

Pecsaetan Weekend, Peak District 7th -9th September

Pecsaetan invited us to their weekend of dance in the lovely Derbyshire Peak District.

Saturday saw a tour of local villages by train, and a smashing meal followed by a party where we played all kinds of games.

Martyn distinguished himself by cheating at Musical Chairs, and still loosing!

Sunday saw dancing at Castleton followed by the journey home.

Apple Day Temple Sowerby 16th October

The National Trust celebrates Apple Day at Acorn Bank House near Penrith, and invited us to be part of the entertainment.

The day was unseasonably warm, and we danced in mellow sunshine and sat around in shirt sleeves on the grass.

Lots of interesting local crafts and produce for sale and on display here, almost all to do with apples in some way.

Christmas Meal 12th December

We returned to the Eagle and Child at Staveley to sample their excellent Christmas menu.

The large function hall suits as well, as we can all be seated together, and the friendly landlord lets us take our instruments, and dance and sing after we have eaten.

We had a fantastic end to the year, and we have lots planned for 2006.